Welcome to Passage Key NWR

Royal terns. Credit: USFWS

One of the first national wildlife refuges, Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1905. This 30-acre meandering barrier island was once a mangrove island with a fresh water lake but a hurricane in 1920 had destroyed most of the island. The island hosts the largest royal tern and sandwich tern colonies in the state of Florida.

Getting There

Because of its small size and importance to wildlife, the refuge is closed to all public use.